TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an
optical fiber ribbon.
BACKGROUND ART
[0003] Patent Literature 1 discloses a method for manufacturing an intermittently-coupled
type optical fiber ribbon including, in an optical fiber ribbon in which a plurality
of optical fibers are continuously coated in a batch manner in a longitudinal direction,
inserting intermittent cuts in the longitudinal direction between adjacent optical
fibers.
[0004] Patent Literature 2 discloses a method for manufacturing an intermittently-coupled
type optical fiber ribbon including: a step of arranging a plurality of optical fibers
in parallel and integrating every two optical fibers by a resin by bringing the optical
fibers into contact with each other, thereby forming a plurality of paired optical
fiber ribbons; and a applying step of intermittently applying a coupling resin between
the adjacent paired optical fiber ribbons in a longitudinal direction.
CITATION LIST
PATENT LITERATURE
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
SOLUTION TO PROBLEM
[0006] A method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to the present disclosure
includes:
a first coating step of applying a coating resin to a periphery of every two of four
or more optical fibers;
a first curing step of curing the coating resin to form a sub-ribbon in which the
two optical fibers are integrated by the coating resin;
a second coating step of intermittently applying a coupling resin between adjacent
sub-ribbons among a plurality of the sub-ribbons; and
a second curing step of curing the coupling resin to form an optical fiber ribbon
in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal
direction,
in which the optical fibers run downward in the first coating step, the first curing
step, the second coating step, and the second curing step, and the steps proceed in
order of the first coating step, the first curing step, the second coating step, and
the second curing step.
[0007] An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to the present disclosure
includes:
a first coating device configured to apply a coating resin to a periphery of every
two of four or more optical fibers;
a first curing device disposed below the first coating device and configured to cure
the coating resin to form a sub-ribbon in which the two optical fibers are integrated
by the coating resin;
a second coating device disposed below the first curing device and configured to intermittently
apply a coupling resin between adjacent sub-ribbons among a plurality of the sub-ribbons;
and
a second curing device disposed below the second coating device and configured to
cure the coupling resin to form an optical fiber ribbon in which the plurality of
sub-ribbons are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal direction.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS
[0008]
[Fig. 1] Fig. 1 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of an apparatus for manufacturing
an optical fiber ribbon according to the present embodiment.
[Fig. 2] Fig. 2 is a plan view illustrating a configuration of the optical fiber ribbon.
[Fig. 3] Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross
section taken along a line III-III in Fig. 2 as viewed from a direction indicated
by an arrow.
[Fig. 4] Fig. 4 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of a cross
section taken along a line IV-IV in Fig. 2 as viewed from a direction indicated by
an arrow.
[Fig. 5] Fig. 5 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of a first guide.
[Fig. 6] Fig. 6 is a diagram illustrating a configuration of the first guide as viewed
from above.
[Fig. 7] Fig. 7 is a diagram illustrating configurations of a dispenser and a second
guide as viewed from above.
[Fig. 8] Fig. 8 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the dispenser and the
second guide.
[Fig. 9] Fig. 9 is a diagram illustrating configurations of the dispenser and the
second guide as viewed from a lateral side.
[Fig. 10] Fig. 10 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the
dispenser and a plurality of sub-ribbons as viewed from above.
[Fig. 11] Fig. 11 is a cross-sectional view illustrating a configuration of the plurality
of sub-ribbons.
[Fig. 12] Fig. 12 is a diagram illustrating another example of the configurations
of the dispenser and the second guide as viewed from the lateral side.
[Fig. 13] Fig. 13 is a diagram showing another example of the configurations of the
dispenser and the second guide as viewed from above.
[Fig. 14] Fig. 14 is a graph showing an adhesion of a coupling resin.
[Fig. 15] Fig. 15 is a plan view showing another example of the configuration of the
optical fiber ribbon.
[Fig. 16] Fig. 16 is a cross-sectional view of a first guide portion of the first
guide and the second guide, which is taken along a left-right direction and passes
through a center in a front-rear direction.
[Fig. 17] Fig. 17 is a diagram showing a modification of arrangement of the first
guide and the second guide.
[Fig. 18] Fig. 18 is a diagram showing an arrangement step between sub-ribbons.
[Fig. 19] Fig. 19 is a diagram showing a modification of configurations of the first
guide and the second guide.
[Fig. 20] Fig. 20 is a cross-sectional view of the first guide portion of the first
guide and the second guide shown in Fig. 19, which is taken along the left-right direction
and passes through the center in the front-rear direction.
DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS
[Technical Problem]
[0009] In the method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon described in Patent Literature
1, there is a possibility that an optical fiber is damaged when a cut is inserted.
In addition, in the method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon described in
Patent Literature 2, when the time until the coating resin for integrating the optical
fibers is cured after being applied is long, the applied coating resin may sag downward.
The cross-sectional shape of the thus-obtained optical fiber ribbon becomes a shape
in which a part of the coating resin formed on a lower side of the optical fiber is
thick.
[0010] The present disclosure provides a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical
fiber ribbon having a good shape.
[Advantageous Effects of Invention]
[0011] According to the present disclosure, a method and an apparatus for manufacturing
an optical fiber ribbon having a good shape can be provided.
[Description of Embodiments of Present Disclosure]
[0012] First, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be listed and described.
- (1) A method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to the present disclosure
includes:
a first coating step of applying a coating resin to a periphery of every two of four
or more optical fibers;
a first curing step of curing the coating resin to form a sub-ribbon in which the
two optical fibers are integrated by the coating resin;
a second coating step of intermittently applying a coupling resin between adjacent
sub-ribbons among a plurality of the sub-ribbons; and
a second curing step of curing the coupling resin to form an optical fiber ribbon
in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal
direction,
in which the optical fibers run downward in the first coating step, the first curing
step, the second coating step, and the second curing step, and the steps proceed in
order of the first coating step, the first curing step, the second coating step, and
the second curing step.
[0013] According to such a method, while the coating resin is formed, the optical fibers
run downward. Therefore, even if the optical fiber sags down by gravity after the
coating resin is applied, the optical fiber sags down in the running direction of
the optical fiber. Accordingly, the coating resin having a good shape can be formed
at the periphery of the optical fiber, and as a result, the optical fiber ribbon having
a good shape can be manufactured.
[0014] (2) In the above (1), the method may include: a first guiding step of guiding, before
the second coating step, the plurality of sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality
of sub-ribbons are arranged in parallel; and a second guiding step of guiding, during
the second coating step, the plurality of sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality
of sub-ribbons are arranged in parallel.
[0015] According to such a method, the plurality of sub-ribbons are guided before and during
the application of the coupling resin, and therefore, the coupling resin can be applied
in a state in which running positions and directions of the plurality of sub-ribbons
are aligned. Accordingly, the coupling resin can be more stably applied to an appropriate
position.
[0016] (3) In the above (2),
a first guide used in the first guiding step and a second guide used in the second
guiding step may be configured such that the plurality of sub-ribbons run downward
while being curved, and
the plurality of sub-ribbons may be guided while being pressed against the first guide
and the second guide.
[0017] According to such a method, the coupling resin is applied in a state in which the
plurality of sub-ribbons running downward while being curved are pressed against the
first guide and the second guide, and therefore, an arrangement step of the plurality
of sub-ribbons can be prevented.
[0018] (4) In any one of the above (1) to (3),
the coating resin may be an ultraviolet curable resin,
in the first curing step, the ultraviolet curable resin may be set in a state in which
the ultraviolet has not been completely cured, and
in the second curing step, the ultraviolet curable resin may be completely cured.
[0019] According to such a method, the coupling resin is applied in a state in which the
coating resin of the sub-ribbon has not been completely cured, and therefore, the
adhesion between the coating resin and the coupling resin is improved. In addition,
when the coating resins are sufficiently cured in the second curing step, the coating
resins can be prevented from adhering to each other when the optical fiber ribbon
is wound.
[0020] (5) In any one of the above (1) to (4), the method may further include:
a step of capturing an image of the plurality of sub-ribbons to which the coupling
resin is applied in the second coating step; and
a step of determining, based on the captured image of the plurality of sub-ribbons,
a position where the coupling resin is applied, and adjusting, based on a determination
result, a position where the coupling resin is to be applied in the second coating
step.
[0021] According to such a method, the position where the coupling resin is to be applied
is automatically adjusted based on the position where the coupling resin is applied.
Accordingly, a good optical fiber ribbon can be stably manufactured without constant
monitoring by an operator.
[0022] (6) In any one of the above (1) to (5),
in the second coating step, an ejection time and an ejection interval of the coupling
resin may be adjusted in accordance with a running speed of the optical fibers.
[0023] According to such a method, the ejection time and the ejection interval of the coupling
resin are adjusted in accordance with the running speed of the optical fiber. Accordingly,
even when the running speed of the optical fiber varies, a good application length
and a good application interval of the coupling resin can be achieved. As a result,
the length of the optical fiber ribbon that can be used as a product is increased,
and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0024] (7) In any one of the above (1) to (6), the method may further include:
a step of marking the optical fiber ribbon after the second curing step.
[0025] According to such a method, the manufacturing of the optical fiber ribbon and the
formation of the marking are performed in one manufacturing process, and therefore,
the cost reduction of the optical fiber ribbon can be achieved.
[0026] (8) In any one of the above (1) to (7),
in the second coating step, the coupling resin may be ejected perpendicularly to a
surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
[0027] According to such a method, the coupling resin is ejected perpendicularly to the
running sub-ribbon, and therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required for
the operation of adjusting the ejection position and the ejection angle of the coupling
resin, and to achieve cost reduction.
[0028] (9) In any one of the above (1) to (7),
in the second coating step, the coupling resin may be ejected obliquely to a surface
on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
[0029] According to such a method, when the coupling resin is ejected obliquely downward
with respect to the horizontal direction, the component of the coupling resin in the
direction perpendicular to the sub-ribbon is reduced, and therefore, the impact of
the collision with the sub-ribbon is alleviated. Accordingly, scattering of the coupling
resin is prevented, contamination of optical fiber ribbon manufacturing equipment
is prevented, and maintenance is facilitated.
[0030] (10) An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon according to the present
disclosure includes:
a first coating device configured to apply a coating resin to a periphery of every
two of four or more optical fibers;
a first curing device disposed below the first coating device and configured to cure
the coating resin to form a sub-ribbon in which the two optical fibers are integrated
by the coating resin;
a second coating device disposed below the first curing device and configured to intermittently
apply a coupling resin between adjacent sub-ribbons among a plurality of the sub-ribbons;
and
a second curing device disposed below the second coating device and configured to
cure the coupling resin to form an optical fiber ribbon in which the plurality of
sub-ribbons are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal direction.
[0031] According to such a configuration, while the coating resin is formed, the optical
fibers run downward. Therefore, even if the optical fiber sags down by gravity after
the coating resin is applied, the optical fiber sags down in the running direction
of the optical fiber. Accordingly, the coating resin having a good shape can be formed
at the periphery of the optical fiber, and as a result, the optical fiber ribbon having
a good shape can be manufactured.
[0032] (11) In the above (10), the apparatus may further include:
a first guide disposed above the second coating device and configured to guide the
plurality of sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged
in parallel; and
a second guide disposed in the second coating device and configured to guide the plurality
of sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged in parallel.
[0033] According to such a configuration, the plurality of sub-ribbons are guided before
and during the application of the coupling resin, and therefore, the coupling resin
can be applied in a state in which running positions and directions of the plurality
of sub-ribbons are aligned. Accordingly, the coupling resin can be more stably applied
to an appropriate position.
[0034] (12) In the above (11),
the first guide and the second guide may be configured to allow the plurality of sub-ribbons
to run downward while being curved, and
the apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber may further include a mechanism
configured to press the plurality of sub-ribbons against the first guide and the second
guide.
[0035] According to such a configuration, the coupling resin is applied in a state in which
the plurality of sub-ribbons running downward while being curved are pressed against
the first guide and the second guide, and therefore, an arrangement step of the plurality
of sub-ribbons can be prevented.
[0036] (13) In any one of the above (10) to (12), the apparatus may further include:
an image capturing device configured to capture an image of the plurality of sub-ribbons
to which the coupling resin is applied; and
a first control device configured to determine, based on the captured image of the
plurality of sub-ribbons, a position where the coupling resin is applied, and configured
to adjust, based on a determination result, a position where the coupling resin is
to be applied by the second coating device.
[0037] According to such a configuration, the position where the coupling resin is to be
applied is automatically adjusted based on the position where the coupling resin is
applied. Accordingly, a good optical fiber ribbon can be stably manufactured without
constant monitoring by an operator.
[0038] (14) In any one of the above (10) to (13), the apparatus may further include:
a second control device configured to adjust an ejection time and an ejection interval
of the coupling resin in the second coating device in accordance with a running speed
of the optical fibers.
[0039] According to such a configuration, the ejection time and the ejection interval of
the coupling resin are adjusted in accordance with the running speed of the optical
fiber. Accordingly, even when the running speed of the optical fiber varies, a good
application length and a good application interval of the coupling resin can be achieved.
As a result, the length of the optical fiber ribbon that can be used as a product
is increased, and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0040] (15) In any one of the above (10) to (14), the apparatus may further include:
a device disposed below the second curing device and configured to mark the optical
fiber ribbon.
[0041] According to such a configuration, the manufacturing of the optical fiber ribbon
and the formation of the marking are performed in one manufacturing process, and therefore,
the cost reduction of the optical fiber ribbon can be achieved.
[0042] (16) In any one of the above (10) to (15),
the second coating device may be configured to eject the coupling resin perpendicularly
to a surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
[0043] According to such a configuration, the coupling resin is ejected perpendicularly
to the running sub-ribbon, and therefore, it is possible to shorten the time required
for the operation of adjusting the ejection position and the ejection angle of the
coupling resin, and to achieve cost reduction
[0044] (17) In any one of the above (10) to (15),
the second coating device may be configured to eject the coupling resin obliquely
to a surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
[0045] According to such a configuration, when the coupling resin is ejected obliquely downward
with respect to the horizontal direction, the component of the coupling resin in the
direction perpendicular to the sub-ribbon is reduced, and therefore, the impact of
the collision with the sub-ribbon is alleviated. Accordingly, scattering of the coupling
resin is prevented, contamination of optical fiber ribbon manufacturing equipment
is prevented, and maintenance is facilitated.
[Details of Embodiment of Present Disclosure]
[0046] Specific examples of a method and an apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber
ribbon according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the
drawings. The present invention is not limited to these exemplifications, but is indicated
by the scope of claims, and is intended to include all modifications within a scope
and meaning equivalent to the scope of claims.
[0047] In the drawings, an arrow U indicates an upward direction of an illustrated structure.
An arrow D indicates a downward direction of the illustrated structure. An arrow F
indicates a forward direction of the illustrated structure. An arrow B indicates a
rearward direction of the illustrated structure. An arrow R indicates a rightward
direction of the illustrated structure. An arrow L indicates a leftward direction
of the illustrated structure. These directions are relative directions set for a manufacturing
apparatus 30 for an optical fiber ribbon shown in Fig. 1.
(Apparatus for Manufacturing Optical Fiber Ribbon)
[0048] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of the manufacturing apparatus 30 for
the optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the present embodiment. The manufacturing
apparatus 30 is an apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 1 in which
every two optical fibers 21 are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal direction.
[0049] Figs. 2 to 4 show an example of the optical fiber ribbon 1 manufactured by the manufacturing
apparatus 30. As illustrated in Fig. 2, the optical fiber ribbon 1 includes a plurality
of sub-ribbons 2 (2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, and 2F) and a coupling resin 3. The plurality
of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged in parallel and intermittently coupled to each other
in the longitudinal direction by the coupling resin 3. Accordingly, in the optical
fiber ribbon 1, a coupling portion in which the adjacent sub-ribbons 2 are coupled
to each other by the coupling resin 3 and a non-coupling portion 4 in which the adjacent
sub-ribbons 2 are not coupled to each other are intermittently provided in the longitudinal
direction. Fig. 2 shows the optical fiber ribbon 1 in a state in which the non-coupling
portion 4 is expanded in the arrangement direction of the sub-ribbon 2.
[0050] As illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4, each of the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 includes
two optical fibers 21 and a coating resin 22. Each of the optical fibers 21 has a
glass fiber 211 and a coating layer 212. The glass fiber 211 includes, for example,
a core and a cladding. The coating layer 212 is formed of a resin that covers a periphery
of the glass fiber 211. The coating layer 212 may include two coating layers instead
of one layer, and may further include a colored layer. A periphery of two adjacent
optical fibers 21 is coated with the coating resin 22 in the longitudinal direction.
The coating resin 22 is formed of a resin material such as an acrylic ultraviolet
curable resin or an epoxy ultraviolet curable resin.
[0051] In this example, the optical fiber ribbon 1 has 12 optical fibers that are optical
fibers 21A to 21L. The optical fibers 21A and 21B, the optical fibers 21C and 21D,
the optical fibers 21E and 21F, the optical fibers 21G and 21H, the optical fibers
21I and 21J, and the optical fibers 21K and 21L are integrated by the coating resin
22 in a state in which the respective two optical fibers are continuously in contact
with each other in the longitudinal direction, and six sub-ribbons that are sub-ribbons
2A to 2F are formed. Further, the sub-ribbons 2A and 2B, the sub-ribbons 2B and 2C,
the sub-ribbons 2C and 2D, the sub-ribbons 2D and 2E, and the sub-ribbons 2E and 2F
are intermittently coupled to each other by the coupling resin 3 while being in contact
with each other.
[0052] The coupling resin 3 is formed of a resin material such as an acrylic ultraviolet
curable resin or an epoxy ultraviolet curable resin. The coupling resin 3 may be formed
of the same resin material as the coating resin 22.
[0053] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the manufacturing apparatus 30 for the optical fiber ribbon
1 includes a supply bobbin 31, a first coating device 32, a first curing device 33,
a first guide 34, a second coating device 35, a second guide 36, a second curing device
37, a winding-up bobbin 38, and guide rollers 39A and 39B.
[0054] The optical fibers 21 constituting the optical fiber ribbon 1 are wound around the
supply bobbins 31. For example, the optical fibers 21A to 21L are formed by a drawing
step or the like and are wound around the supply bobbins 31. The optical fibers 21
drawn out from the supply bobbins 31 are fed to the first coating device 32 by the
guide roller 39A. In this example, the manufacturing apparatus 30 includes 12 supply
bobbins that are supply bobbins 31A to 31L around which 12 optical fibers that are
optical fibers 21A to 21L are wound, respectively.
[0055] The first coating device 32 applies the coating resin 22 (see Fig. 2) to the periphery
of the optical fibers 21 in units of two optical fibers in a plurality of optical
fibers 21. For example, a plurality of holes (not illustrated) through which two optical
fibers 21 pass are provided in the first coating device 32. The plurality of holes
are arranged in parallel at predetermined intervals in a cross section perpendicular
to a vertical direction. The first coating device 32 applies the coating resin to
a periphery of two optical fibers passing through the respective hole.
[0056] The first curing device 33 is disposed below the first coating device 32. The first
curing device 33 cures the coating resin 22 applied by the first coating device 32.
For example, when the coating resin 22 is an ultraviolet curable resin, an ultraviolet
irradiation device is used as the first curing device 33. With the curing of the coating
resin 22, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 in each of which the two optical fibers 21
are integrated by the coating resin 22 are formed.
[0057] The first guide 34 is disposed below the first curing device 33 and above the second
coating device 35, and guides the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 in a state in which the
plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged in parallel. The first guide 34 is disposed,
for example, above and close to the second coating device 35. The first guide 34 may
be formed of stainless steel or the like.
[0058] For example, as illustrated in Fig. 5, the first guide 34 includes a first guide
member 341 and a second guide member 342. The first guide member 341 has a recessed
portion 3411 for accommodating the plurality of sub-ribbons 2. The second guide member
342 has a protruding portion 3421 corresponding to the recessed portion 3411 of the
first guide member 341.
[0059] As illustrated in Fig. 6, the first guide 34 is disposed so as to sandwich, by the
recessed portion 3411 of the first guide member 341 and the protruding portion 3421
of the second guide member 342, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 from a direction perpendicular
to a surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged.
[0060] The recessed portion 3411 is formed such that a width W1 is larger than a width W
of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (that is, a sum of widths of the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 arranged in parallel) and a depth D1 is larger than a thickness T of the optical
fiber ribbon 1 (that is, a thickness of the sub-ribbon 2). The protruding portion
3421 is formed such that a width W2 is smaller than the width W1 of the recessed portion
3411, and a length L2 is smaller than a value (D1 - T) obtained by subtracting the
thickness T from the depth D1. The configuration of the first guide 34 is not limited
to the configurations shown in Figs. 5 and 6.
[0061] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the second coating device 35 is disposed below the first
guide 34. The second coating device 35 intermittently applies the coupling resin 3
(see Fig. 2) between adjacent sub-ribbons 2. For example, the second coating device
35 includes a dispenser 351 for ejecting the coupling resin 3. The dispenser 351 includes
an ejection nozzle 3511 from which the coupling resin 3 is ejected. As illustrated
in Fig. 7, the ejection nozzle 3511 faces the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 arranged
in parallel. The ejection nozzle 3511 ejects the coupling resin 3 between adjacent
sub-ribbons 2.
[0062] As illustrated in Fig. 1, the second guide 36 is disposed in the second coating device
35, and guides the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 in a state in which the plurality of
sub-ribbons 2 are arranged in parallel. The second guide 36 is disposed, for example,
below and close to the dispenser 351. The second guide 36 may be formed of stainless
steel or the like.
[0063] For example, as shown in Figs. 7 and 8, the second guide 36 has a recessed portion
361 for accommodating the plurality of sub-ribbons 2. The second guide 36 is disposed
such that the recessed portion 361 opens toward the dispenser 351. In other words,
the recessed portion 361 is disposed such that the dispenser 351 faces a surface on
which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged, and guides the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 on a surface opposite to the surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 facing
the dispenser 351 are arranged. In Fig. 7, a one-dot chain line arrow indicates an
ejection direction of the coupling resin 3.
[0064] The recessed portion 361 is formed such that a width W3 is larger than a width W
of the optical fiber ribbon 1 (that is, a sum of widths of the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 arranged in parallel) and a depth D3 is larger than a thickness T of the optical
fiber ribbon 1 (that is, a thickness of the sub-ribbon 2). The configuration of the
second guide 36 is not limited to the configurations shown in Figs. 7 and 8.
[0065] Only one dispenser 351 is shown in Figs. 1, 7, and 8, and the second coating device
35 includes a plurality of dispensers 351 in accordance with the number of sub-ribbons
2. In this example, as illustrated in Figs. 9 and 10, the second coating device 35
includes five dispensers that are dispensers 351A to 351E corresponding to six sub-ribbons
that are sub-ribbons 2A to 2F. In Figs. 9 and 10, an arrow extending from an ejection
nozzle 3511 of each of the dispensers 351 (351A to 351E) indicates the ejection direction
of the coupling resin 3.
[0066] As illustrated in Fig. 9, the dispensers 351A to 351E are disposed at intervals along
a running direction of the sub-ribbon 2. The order of arrangement of the dispensers
351A to 351E may be different from the order of arrangement shown in Fig. 9.
[0067] Each of the dispensers 351A to 351E ejects the coupling resin 3 perpendicularly to
the surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged. In other words,
each of the dispensers 351A to 351E ejects the coupling resin 3 in a horizontal direction
to the sub-ribbon 2 running from the upper side to the lower side in the vertical
direction.
[0068] As illustrated in Fig. 10, the dispenser 351A is disposed at a position facing a
gap between the sub-ribbons 2A and 2B, and applies the coupling resin 3 between the
sub-ribbons 2A and 2B. The dispenser 351B is disposed at a position facing a gap between
the sub-ribbons 2B and 2C, and applies the coupling resin 3 between the sub-ribbons
2B and 2C. The dispenser 351C is disposed at a position facing a gap between the sub-ribbons
2C and 2D, and applies the coupling resin 3 between the sub-ribbons 2C and 2D. The
dispenser 351D is disposed at a position facing a gap between the sub-ribbons 2D and
2E, and applies the coupling resin 3 between the sub-ribbons 2D and 2E. The dispenser
351E is disposed at a position facing a gap between the sub-ribbons 2E and 2F, and
applies the coupling resin 3 between the sub-ribbons 2E and 2F.
[0069] As illustrated in Fig. 9, as the second guides 36, five second guides 36A to 36E
may be disposed so as to correspond to the five dispensers that are dispensers 351A
to 351E. Specifically, the second guide 36A is disposed below the dispenser 351A.
The second guide 36B is disposed below the dispenser 351B. The second guide 36C is
disposed below the dispenser 351C. The second guide 36D is disposed below the dispenser
351D. The second guide 36E is disposed below the dispenser 351E. Note that a plurality
of second guides 36A to 36E are disposed separately and away from each other, and
may be configured integrally by being coupled.
[0070] Returning to Fig. 1, the second curing device 37 is disposed below the second coating
device 35. The second curing device 37 cures the coupling resin 3. For example, when
the coupling resin 3 is an ultraviolet curable resin, an ultraviolet irradiation device
is used as the second curing device 37. The optical fiber ribbon 1 in which the plurality
of sub-ribbons 2 are intermittently coupled in the longitudinal direction is formed
by curing the coupling resin 3.
[0071] The winding-up bobbin 38 winds up the optical fiber ribbon 1 conveyed via the guide
roller 39B.
(Method for Manufacturing Optical Fiber Ribbon)
[0072] Next, a method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon 1 using the manufacturing
apparatus 30 will be described.
[0073] First, as illustrated in Fig. 1, the optical fibers 21A to 21L are drawn out from
the supply bobbins 31A to 31L, respectively, and the drawn-out optical fibers 21A
to 21L are conveyed to the first coating device 32 via the guide roller 39A. The plurality
of optical fibers 21 pass through the first coating device 32 while running downward,
for example, along the vertical direction.
[0074] In the first coating device 32, the coating resin 22 is applied to a periphery of
respective two adjacent optical fibers 21 in the plurality of optical fibers 21A to
21L (first coating step). For example, 12 optical fibers 21A to 21L are coated with
the coating resin 22 while passing through the plurality of holes in the first coating
device 32 in a state in which the 2n+1-th optical fiber (n is an integer from 0 to
5) is brought into contact with the 2n+2-th optical fiber and the 2n+2-th optical
fiber is separated from the 2n+3-th optical fiber (n is an integer from 0 to 4). Accordingly,
the coating resin 22 is applied to each of the peripheries of the 2n+1-th optical
fiber (n is an integer from 0 to 5) and the 2n+2-th optical fiber.
[0075] When the plurality of optical fibers 21 coated with the coating resin 22 exit the
first coating device 32, the optical fibers 21 enter the first curing device 33 while
running downward along the vertical direction. Then, in the first curing device 33,
the coating resin 22 applied to the periphery of the optical fiber 21 is cured (first
curing step). For example, when the coating resin 22 is an ultraviolet curable resin,
the first curing device 33 cures the coating resin 22 by radiating ultraviolet rays
to the optical fibers 21A to 21L coated with the coating resin 22. Accordingly, the
plurality of sub-ribbons 2 in which the two optical fibers 21 are integrated with
the coating resin 22 are formed. In this example, as illustrated in Fig. 11, six sub-ribbons
2A to 2F in which the coating resin 22 is formed on the outer peripheries of the optical
fibers 21A and 21B, 21C and 21D, 21E and 21F, 11G and 11H, 11I and 11J, 11K and 11L,
respectively, are formed.
[0076] Subsequently, as illustrated in Fig. 1, when the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 exit
the first curing device 33, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are guided by the first
guide 34 so as to be arranged in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the vertical
direction while running downward along the vertical direction before entering the
second coating device 35 (first guiding step). For example, the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 are guided along the bottom surface 3411a of the recessed portion 3411 of the first
guide 34 as shown in Fig. 6. Accordingly, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged
in parallel in a state in which the adjacent sub-ribbons are in contact with each
other.
[0077] Subsequently, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 arranged in parallel pass through the
second coating device 35 while running downward along the vertical direction. In the
second coating device 35, the coupling resin 3 is applied between the adjacent sub-ribbons
2 (second coating step). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 10, five dispensers 351A
to 351E apply the coupling resin 3 between the sub-ribbons 2A and 2B, the sub-ribbons
2B and 2C, the sub-ribbons 2C and 2D, the sub-ribbons 2D and 2E, and the sub-ribbons
2E and 2F which are in contact with each other.
[0078] Further, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 running in the second coating device 35 are
guided by the second guide 36 so as to be arranged in parallel in the direction perpendicular
to the vertical direction while running downward along the vertical direction (second
guiding step). For example, as illustrated in Fig. 7, the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 are guided such that the surface opposite to the surface facing the dispensers 351A
to 351E is along the bottom surface 361a of the recessed portion 361 of the second
guide 36. Accordingly, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged in parallel in
a state in which the adjacent sub-ribbons are in contact with each other.
[0079] Subsequently, when the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 coated with the coupling resin
3 exit the second coating device 35, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 enter the second
curing device 37 while running downward along the vertical direction. Then, in the
second curing device 37, the coupling resin 3 applied between the adjacent sub-ribbons
2 is cured (second curing step). For example, when the coupling resin is an ultraviolet
curable resin, the second curing device 37 cures the coupling resin 3 by radiating
ultraviolet rays to the optical fibers 21A to 21L coated with the coupling resin.
Accordingly, the optical fiber ribbon 1, as shown in Figs. 2 to 4, in which the plurality
of sub-ribbons 2 are intermittently coupled to each other by the coupling resin 3
in the longitudinal direction is formed. Then, the optical fiber ribbon 1 is wound
around the winding-up bobbin 38 via the guide roller 39B.
[0080] According to the manufacturing apparatus 30 and the manufacturing method for the
optical fiber ribbon 1 according to the present embodiment, the first coating step,
the first curing step, the second coating step, and the second curing step are performed
while the optical fiber ribbon 21 runs from the upper side to the lower side along
the substantially vertical direction. Accordingly, while the coating resin 22 is formed,
the optical fiber 21 runs downward. Therefore, even if the optical fiber 21 sags down
by gravity after the coating resin 22 is applied, the optical fiber 21 sags down in
the running direction of the optical fiber 21. Accordingly, the coating resin 22 having
a good shape can be formed at the periphery of the optical fiber 21, and as a result,
the optical fiber ribbon 1 having a good shape can be manufactured.
[0081] In the present embodiment, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are guided by the first
guide 34 and the second guide 36 before and during the application of the coupling
resin 3. Accordingly, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are prevented from rotating or
crossing each other. Further, the running positions of the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 are fixed. Therefore, the coupling resin 3 can be applied in a state in which the
running positions and the directions of the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are aligned,
and the coupling resin 3 can be stably applied to an appropriate position.
[0082] In the present embodiment, the coupling resin 3 is ejected perpendicularly to the
surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged. When the coupling resin
3 is applied perpendicularly to the running sub-ribbon 2, it is not required to adjust
the angle of the ejection nozzle only by adjusting the position of the ejection nozzle
3511 of the dispenser 351. Therefore, the time required for adjusting the ejection
position and the ejection angle of the coupling resin 3 can be shortened, and the
cost reduction can be achieved.
[0083] The coupling resin 3 may be ejected obliquely to the surface on which the plurality
of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged. Specifically, as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13, the
dispensers 351 of the second coating device 35 may obliquely eject the coupling resin
3 to the surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged. For example,
the dispensers 351 are disposed such that the ejection nozzle 3511 is inclined downward
by a predetermined angle θ with respect to the horizontal direction. As described
above, when the coupling resin 3 is ejected obliquely downward with respect to the
horizontal direction, the component of the coupling resin 3 in the direction perpendicular
to the sub-ribbon 2 is reduced, and therefore, the impact of the collision with the
sub-ribbon 2 is alleviated. Accordingly, scattering of the coupling resin 3 is prevented,
contamination of optical fiber ribbon manufacturing equipment is prevented, and maintenance
is facilitated.
[0084] In particular, when the coupling resin 3 is applied by inclining the dispenser 351
downward by 30° or more while setting the horizontal direction to 0°, the component
of the ejection speed of the coupling resin 3 in the direction perpendicular to the
running direction of the sub-ribbon 2 is reduced, and therefore, the impact of the
collision with the sub-ribbon 2 is alleviated, and the scattering of the coupling
resin 3 is prevented. Accordingly, contamination of the equipment by the coupling
resin 3 is prevented, and maintenance of the equipment is facilitated. On the other
hand, when the inclination of the dispenser 351 with respect to the horizontal direction
is too large, the distance over which the coupling resin 3 flies is increased, and
the application position on the sub-ribbon 2 becomes unstable. Therefore, the inclination
angle θ of the dispenser 351 (ejection nozzle 3511) with respect to the horizontal
direction is preferably 30° or more and 60° or less.
[0085] In the above embodiment, the coating resin 22 is an ultraviolet curable resin, and
the coating resin 22 is completely cured in the first curing device 33. However, the
coating resin 22 is not completely cured in the first curing device 33 and is in an
uncured state, and the coating resin 22 may be completely cured together with the
coupling resin 3 in the second curing device 37. According to such a method, the coupling
resin 3 is applied in a state in which the coating resin 22 of the sub-ribbon 2 is
uncured, and therefore, the adhesion between the coating resin 22 and the coupling
resin 3 is improved. In addition, when the coating resins 22 are sufficiently cured
in the second curing step, the coating resins 22 can be prevented from adhering to
each other when the optical fiber ribbon 1 is wound.
[0086] For example, Fig. 14 is a graph showing the adhesion of the coupling resin 3. The
horizontal axis indicates the gel fraction of the coating resin 22. The larger the
value of the gel fraction is, the more the curing proceeds. The vertical axis indicates
the tear force of the coupling resin 3. A larger value of the tear force means that
a larger force is required to tear the coupling resin 3 from the sub-ribbon 2. That
is, as shown in Fig. 4, it can be seen that the adhesion of the coupling resin 3 is
higher when the coupling resin 3 is applied in a state in which the coating resin
22 of the sub-ribbon 2 is uncured.
[0087] In the above embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include an image
capturing device 40 and a first control device 41 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The image
capturing device 40 is disposed, for example, below the second curing device 37. The
image capturing device 40 captures an image of the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 coated
with the coupling resin 3. For example, the image capturing device 40 includes an
illumination unit 401 and a camera 402. The image of the sub-ribbon 2 illuminated
by the illumination unit 401 is captured by the camera 402.
[0088] The first control device 41 determines, based on the image acquired from the image
capturing device 40, a position where the coupling resin 3 is applied, on the sub-ribbon
2, and adjusts, based on the determination result, a position where the coupling resin
3 is to be applied by the second coating device 35. The first control device 41 is,
for example, a general-purpose computer including a general-purpose memory and a general-purpose
microprocessor that operates in cooperation with the general-purpose memory.
[0089] Specifically, the first control device 41 acquires an image signal of the sub-ribbon
2 from the camera 402 and determines the application position of the coupling resin
3. Then, when the first control device 41 determines that it is required to correct
the application position of the coupling resin 3, the first control device 41 outputs
a control signal to a drive mechanism 352 in the second coating device 35. The drive
mechanism 352 moves the dispenser 351 based on the control signal to correct the position
where the coupling resin 3 is to be applied.
[0090] According to such a configuration, the position where the coupling resin 3 is to
be applied is automatically adjusted based on the position where the coupling resin
3 is applied. Accordingly, a good optical fiber ribbon 1 can be stably manufactured
without constant monitoring by an operator.
[0091] In the above embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 30 may further include a second
control device 42 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The second control device 42 adjusts the
ejection time and the ejection interval of the coupling resin 3 in the second coating
device 35 in accordance with the running speed of the optical fiber 21. The second
control device 42 is, for example, a general-purpose computer including a general-purpose
memory and a general-purpose microprocessor that operates in cooperation with the
general-purpose memory. The first control device 41 and the second control device
42 may be implemented not by separate control devices but by a single control device.
[0092] For example, the second control device 42 acquires winding-up speed information of
the optical fiber ribbon 1 from the winding-up bobbin 38. Then, the second control
device 42 outputs a control signal for adjusting the ejection time and the ejection
interval of the coupling resin 3 of the second coating device 35 to the second coating
device 35 in accordance with the winding-up speed of the optical fiber ribbon 1. The
second coating device 35 adjusts, based on the control signal, the ejection timing
of the coupling resin 3 ejected from the dispenser 351. The winding-up speed of the
optical fiber ribbon 1 corresponds to the running speed of the optical fiber 21.
[0093] According to such a configuration, the ejection time and the ejection interval of
the coupling resin 3 are adjusted in accordance with the running speed of the optical
fiber 21. Accordingly, even when the running speed of the optical fiber 21 varies,
a good application length and a good application interval of the coupling resin 3
can be achieved. As a result, the length of the optical fiber ribbon 1 that can be
used as a product is increased, and cost reduction can be achieved.
[0094] In the above embodiment, the manufacturing apparatus 30 may include a marking device
43 as illustrated in Fig. 1. The marking device 43 is disposed, for example, below
the second curing device 37. The marking device 43 marks the optical fiber ribbon
1. The marking device 43 includes, for example, an ink jet printer 431. As illustrated
in Fig. 15, an identification mark 5 is printed on the coupling resin 3 or the coating
resin 22 of the optical fiber ribbon 1 by the ink jet printer 431.
[0095] According to such a configuration, the manufacturing of the optical fiber ribbon
1 and the formation of the marking are performed in one manufacturing process, and
therefore, the cost reduction of the optical fiber ribbon 1 can be achieved.
[0096] In the above embodiment, the first guide 34 and the second guide 36 are linearly
arranged along the vertical direction such that a virtual plane connecting the bottom
surface 3411a of the first guide portion 341 of the first guide 34 and the bottom
surface 361a of the second guide 36 is along the vertical plane. Specifically, Fig.
16 illustrates a cross-sectional shape passing through a center of the first guide
portion 341 of the first guide 34 (or the second guide 36) in the front-rear direction
along the left-right direction. As illustrated in Fig. 16, the cross-sectional shape
of the bottom surface 3411a of the first guide portion 341 (or the bottom surface
361a of the second guide 36) extends linearly along the vertical direction. The first
guide 34 and the second guide 36 are disposed such that a position of the bottom surface
3411a of the first guide portion 341 and a position of the bottom surface 361a of
the second guide 36 overlap when viewed from above. Accordingly, the plurality of
sub-ribbons 2 running before entering the second coating device 35 and in the second
coating device 35 are guided by the first guide 34 and the second guide 36 while running
downward along the vertical direction. However, the first guide 34 and the second
guide 36 may be configured such that the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 run downward while
being curved.
[0097] Specifically, Fig. 17 illustrates a modification of the arrangement of the first
guide 34 and the second guides 36A to 36E. Note that, in Fig. 17, the first guide
34 and the second guides 36A to 36E are illustrated in cross sections passing through
the centers of the first guide 34 and the second guides 36A to 36E in the front-rear
direction and extending along the left-right direction.
[0098] As illustrated in Fig. 17, the first guide 34 and the second guides 36A to 36E are
inclined with respect to the vertical direction such that a virtual plane connecting
the bottom surface 3411a of the first guide portion 341 of the first guide 34 and
the bottom surfaces 361Aa to 361Ea of the second guides 36A to 36E forms a curve.
An inclination angle of each of the first guide 34 and the second guides 36A to 36E
is appropriately set in accordance with a position in the up-down direction. The plurality
of sub-ribbons 2 running before entering the second coating device 35 and in the second
coating device 35 are guided such that surfaces opposite to the surfaces facing the
dispensers 351A to 351E are along the bottom surface 3411a of the first guide portion
341 of the first guide 34 and the bottom surfaces 361Aa to 361Ea of the second guides
36A to 36E. That is, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are guided to run downward while
being curved by the bottom surface 3411a of the first guide portion 341 of the first
guide 34 and the bottom surfaces 361Aa to 361Ea of the second guides 36A to 36E.
[0099] Also in this example, the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 running before entering the
second coating device 35 and in the second coating device 35 are guided by the first
guide 34 and the second guides 36A to 36E such that the sub-ribbons 2 are arranged
in parallel in a direction perpendicular to the vertical direction while running downward
and drawing a curve (first guiding step and second guiding step). Accordingly, the
plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are arranged in parallel in a state in which the adjacent
sub-ribbons are in contact with each other.
[0100] As illustrated in Fig. 17, the manufacturing apparatus 30 may include a mechanism
for pressing the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 against the first guide 34 and the second
guide 36. In this example, as the mechanism, a guide roller 51 and a guide roller
52 are disposed above the first guide 34. The running direction of the plurality of
sub-ribbons 2 is changed so that the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 is pressed against
the bottom surface 3411a of the first guide 34 by the guide roller 51 and the guide
roller 52.
[0101] According to such a configuration, the coupling resin 3 is applied in a state in
which the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 running downward while being curved are pressed
against the first guide 34 and the second guide 36. Therefore, it is possible to prevent
an arrangement step in which centers c1 and c2 of the optical fibers 21A and 21B of
the sub-ribbon 2A and centers c3 and c4 of the optical fibers 21C and 21D of the sub-ribbon
2B are shifted as illustrated in Fig. 18.
[0102] In Fig. 17, when the first guide 34 and the second guides 36A to 36E are inclined
with respect to the vertical direction, a virtual plane connecting the bottom surface
3411a and the bottom surfaces 361Aa to 361Ea forms a curve. However, the first guide
34 and the second guides 36A to 36E may be configured such that the bottom surface
3411a and the bottom surfaces 361Aa to 361Ea themselves are curved or inclined.
[0103] Figs. 19 and 20 show modifications of the configurations of the first guide 34 and
the second guides 36A to 36E.
[0104] As illustrated in Fig. 20, a first guide portion 1341 of the first guide 134 according
to the modification has a curved bottom surface 13411a, and the second guides 136
(136A to 136E) have curved bottom surfaces 1361a (1361Aa to 1361Ea).
[0105] As illustrated in Fig. 19, the first guide portion 1341 of the first guide 134 and
the second guides 136A to 136E are disposed such that a virtual plane connecting the
bottom surface 13411a and the bottom surfaces 1361Aa to 1361Ea forms a curve.
[0106] Also in such a configuration, it is possible to cause the plurality of sub-ribbons
2 to run downward while being curved. When the guide rollers 51 and 52 are disposed
above the first guide 134, the coupling resin 3 can be applied in a state in which
the plurality of sub-ribbons 2 are pressed against the first guide portion 1341 of
the first guide 134 and the second guides 136A to 136E, and therefore, an arrangement
step between the sub-ribbons 2 can be prevented.
[0107] Note that the curvature of curves of the bottom surface 13411a and the bottom surfaces
1361Aa to 1361Ea may be appropriately set in accordance with the position in the up-down
direction.
[0108] A surface of the first guide portion 134 facing the bottom surface 13411a of the
second guide portion 1342 has a shape corresponding to a shape of the bottom surface
13411a.
[0109] Further, the first guide portion 1341 of the first guide 134 and the second guides
136A to 136E are separately disposed, and may be integrally configured to have a single
curved bottom surface by being connected.
[0110] The first guide 134 and the second guides 136A to 136E are not inclined, and the
first guide 134 and the second guides 136A to 136E may be inclined with respect to
the vertical direction as illustrated in Fig. 17.
[0111] Although the present invention is described in detail with reference to specific
embodiments, it is apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications
can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.
In addition, the number, positions, shapes, and the like of members described above
are not limited to those in the above-described embodiments, and can be changed to
the number, positions, shapes, and the like suitable for carrying out the present
invention.
[0112] In the above embodiment, the number of the optical fibers 21 constituting the optical
fiber ribbon 1 is 12, and the number of the optical fibers 21 is not limited as long
as the number is an even number of four or more.
REFERENCE SIGNS LIST
[0113]
1: optical fiber ribbon
2, 2A, 2B, 2C, 2D, 2E, 2F: sub-ribbon
21, 21A, 21B, 21C, 21D, 21E, 21F, 21G, 21H, 21I, 21J, 21K, 21L: optical fiber
211: glass fiber
212: coating layer
22: coating resin
3: coupling resin
4: non-coupling portion
5: mark
30: manufacturing apparatus
31, 31A, 31B, 31C, 31D, 31E, 31F, 31G, 31H, 31I, 31J, 31K, and 31L: supply bobbin
32: first coating device
33: first curing device
34: first guide
341: first guide member
3411: recessed portion
3411a: bottom surface
342: second guide member
3421: protruding portion
35: second coating device
351, 351A, 351B, 351C, 351D, 351E: dispenser
3511: ejection nozzle
352: drive mechanism
36, 36A, 36B, 36C, 36D, 36E: second guide
361: recessed portion
361a, 361Aa, 361Ba, 361Ca, 361Da, 361Ea: bottom surface
37: second curing device
38: bobbin
39A: guide roller
39B: guide roller
40: image capturing device
401: illumination unit
402: camera
41: first control device
42: second control device
43: marking device
431: ink jet printer
134: first guide
136A, 136B, 136C, 136D, 136E: second guide
13411a: bottom surface
1361Aa, 1361Ba, 1361Ca, 1361Da, 1361Ea: bottom surface
W: width
W1: width
W2: width
W3: width
θ: angle
1. A method for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon, the method comprising:
a first coating step of applying a coating resin to a periphery of every two of four
or more optical fibers;
a first curing step of curing the coating resin to form a sub-ribbon in which the
two optical fibers are integrated by the coating resin;
a second coating step of intermittently applying a coupling resin between adjacent
sub-ribbons among a plurality of the sub-ribbons; and
a second curing step of curing the coupling resin to form an optical fiber ribbon
in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal
direction,
wherein the optical fibers run downward in the first coating step, the first curing
step, the second coating step, and the second curing step, and the steps proceed in
order of the first coating step, the first curing step, the second coating step, and
the second curing step.
2. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1, further
comprising:
a first guiding step of guiding, before the second coating step, the plurality of
sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged in parallel;
and
a second guiding step of guiding, during the second coating step, the plurality of
sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged in parallel.
3. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 2,
wherein a first guide used in the first guiding step and a second guide used in the
second guiding step are configured to allow the plurality of sub-ribbons to run downward
while being curved, and
wherein the plurality of sub-ribbons are guided while being pressed against the first
guide and the second guide.
4. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein the coating resin is an ultraviolet curable resin,
wherein in the first curing step, the ultraviolet curable resin is set in a state
in which the ultraviolet has not been completely cured, and
wherein in the second curing step, the ultraviolet curable resin is completely cured.
5. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2, further
comprising:
a step of capturing an image of the plurality of sub-ribbons to which the coupling
resin is applied in the second coating step; and
a step of determining, based on the captured image of the plurality of sub-ribbons,
a position where the coupling resin is applied, and adjusting, based on a determination
result, a position where the coupling resin is to be applied in the second coating
step.
6. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2, wherein
in the second coating step, an ejection time and an ejection interval of the coupling
resin are adjusted in accordance with a running speed of the optical fibers.
7. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2, further
comprising a step of marking the optical fiber ribbon after the second curing step.
8. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein in the second coating step, the coupling resin is ejected perpendicularly
to a surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
9. The method for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 1 or 2,
wherein in the second coating step, the coupling resin is ejected obliquely to a surface
on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
10. An apparatus for manufacturing an optical fiber ribbon, comprising:
a first coating device configured to apply a coating resin to a periphery of every
two of four or more optical fibers;
a first curing device arranged below the first coating device and configured to cure
the coating resin to form a sub-ribbon in which the two optical fibers are integrated
by the coating resin;
a second coating device disposed below the first curing device and configured to intermittently
apply a coupling resin between adjacent sub-ribbons among a plurality of the sub-ribbons;
and
a second curing device disposed below the second coating device and configured to
cure the coupling resin to form an optical fiber ribbon in which the plurality of
sub-ribbons are intermittently coupled in a longitudinal direction.
11. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 10, further
comprising:
a first guide disposed above the second coating device and configured to guide the
plurality of sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged
in parallel; and
a second guide disposed in the second coating device and configured to guide the plurality
of sub-ribbons in a state in which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged in parallel.
12. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 11,
wherein the first guide and the second guide are configured to allow the plurality
of sub-ribbons to run downward while being curved, and
wherein the apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon comprises a mechanism
configured to press the plurality of sub-ribbons against the first guide and the second
guide.
13. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 10 or
11, further comprising:
an image capturing device configured to capture an image of the plurality of sub-ribbons
to which the coupling resin is applied; and
a first control device configured to determine, based on the captured image of the
plurality of sub-ribbons, a position where the coupling resin is applied, and configured
to adjust, based on a determination result, a position where the coupling resin is
to be applied by the second coating device.
14. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 10 or
11, further comprising a second control device configured to adjust an ejection time
and an ejection interval of the coupling resin in the second coating device in accordance
with a running speed of the optical fibers.
15. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 10 or
11, further comprising a device disposed below the second curing device and configured
to mark the optical fiber ribbon.
16. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 10 or
11, wherein the second coating device is configured to eject the coupling resin perpendicularly
to a surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.
17. The apparatus for manufacturing the optical fiber ribbon according to claim 10 or
11, wherein the second coating device is configured to eject the coupling resin obliquely
to a surface on which the plurality of sub-ribbons are arranged.